BACKPACKING TRIP

The Nootka Trail

5 DAY / 4 NIGHTS   |   CHALLENGING


Enjoy solitude and adventure as you embark on a journey deep into Vancouver Island's wild west coast. Our guided Nootka Island backpacking trek offers stunning diverse coastal scenery, sandy beach hiking, visits to historical sites and cascading waterfalls. With ample opportunities to explore and relax from our scenic campsites, it is an action-packed but well balanced adventure. It is also a point to point hike, which means all new scenery every day. Whether you are a seasoned backpacker, just starting out, or somewhere in between, this trip is sure to offer something new for everyone! Why should you hike the Nootka Trail with a guide? Our backpacking tours provide you with all the necessities for the perfect trip, including all meals, float plane transport from Tofino, Vancouver Island to Nootka Island, safety gear, backcountry accommodation, and of course, an ACMG certified hiking guide.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Experience the coastline from above with a scenic float plane flight to and from Tofino.
  • Enjoy an authentic wilderness experience. No crowds, endless beaches, waterfalls and wildlife.
  • Visit the historic Friendly Cove and village of Yuquot.

$2,295 per person

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Itinerary

Useful Information

  • Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
  • Departs/Ends: Tofino
  • Hiking Distance: 37 km (23 miles)
  • Type: Multi-day Hiking Trip / Private / Backpacking / Camping
  • Location: Nootka Island, Nootka Sound
  • Terrain: 75% coastal / 25% rainforest trail
  • Group Size: 1-4 people (Due to float plane capacity we are limited to 4 people maximum)
  • Season: May – September
  • You will need to arrive the day before your trip in time to attend a mandatory orientation meeting at 4:00 PM at Storm Light Outfitters (390 Main Street, Tofino, British Columbia, CANADA). Your guide will cover introductions, a thorough briefing of your route, hand out group and personal gear and answer any last-minute questions you may have. Our group will meet at the same location the following morning for float plane transport to the trailhead together. Dinner & lodging is on your own tonight; make sure you have a hearty meal and a good night’s sleep as tomorrow we hit the Nootka Trail!

Challenging

  • To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking trails, daily climbing and descending and duration of the trip. While part of this hike does utilize formed trails, you must be comfortable hiking across technical terrain including rocks and boulders, slippery tree roots and scree slopes. There are some unbridged streams to cross and some steep rocky hillsides to scramble up and down. This itinerary requires good fitness, balance, coordination and a good head for heights. The sense of isolation and wilderness is a strong feature of this trip. For you to be able to really enjoy this hike we recommend that you are confident walking across uneven terrain and are able to hike comfortably for multiple hours at a time (breaks included) with plenty of uphill.
  • Suitable for ages 16 and up.
  • A certified ACMG Hiking Guide
  • Float Plane Charter (Tofino to Nootka Island and return)
  • Top-of-the-line tent and backcountry sleeping pad
  • High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own
  • Use of trekking poles
  • All meals are included from lunch the first day through dinner on the last day
  • Bear safety equipment including bear spray cannisters and food-hanging gear
  • Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite phone
  • Pre-Trip Planning and Organizing Logistics
  • Packing Tips
  • Trail fees
  • Transportation to Tofino
  • Accommodation in Tofino pre and post trek
  • Clothes, rain gear, and footwear, multi-day backpack (available to purchase at Storm Light Outfitters)
  • Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items (available to purchase at Storm Light Outfitters)
  • Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight (available to purchase at Storm Light Outfitters)
  • Your favourite trail snacks
  • Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
  • All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
  • For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
  • We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.

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Have a Question?

Our team at the Long Beach Nature Office looks forward to hearing from you!

Contact Us

CONTACT US

+1.250.725.3320

Box 1132 Tofino, BC V0R2Z0

OFFICE

Storm Light Outfitters

390 Main Street, Tofino BC

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